TATA DIPLOMAT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2018

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from over 90 countries (and diplomats from over 120 countries) attended the Tata DIPLOMAT magazine 2018 annual Awards Ceremony in the glorious surroundings of the Ballroom at Jumeirah Carlton Tower on Monday 23 April. DIPLOMAT presented 10 awards to some of the most influential diplomats based in the UK. (Winners listed below). The 200-plus guests were treated to a champagne reception and canapés prepared by the hotel chefs.

In its tenth year, the awards ceremony recognises the outstanding work and achievements of London’s diplomatic community, who are trying to better their nations’ well-being. DIPLOMAT magazine identified 10 categories that recognise different levels of diplomacy, and winners were nominated by their peers. The evening welcomed the massed ranks of London’s diplomatic corps, at what has become a key date in the capital’s diplomatic calendar. BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale was the Master of Ceremonies, who performed with immense slickness and wit.

The headline sponsor for the evening was Tata, along with category sponsorship from Jumeirah Carlton Tower, International Diplomatic Supplies, Burke Bros Moving Group. Cleave & Co. produced the unique awards for the winners. This year, the Awards partnered with charity Football for Peace, adiplomatic movement to create dialogue and understanding between people.

In a break from protocol, the Judging Committee felt strongly that diplomatic spouses should be recognised. A special mention went to Anastasia Evriviades, the Cyprus High Commissioner’s wife.

With over 180 diplomatic missions, a posting in London remains one of the highlights of any diplomat’s career. DIPLOMAT’s Editor, Venetia de Blocq van Kuffeler, said: “This is an award ceremony for diplomats, with the award-winners chosen by diplomats. This evening is about hard work and technique. It’s about people and professionalism.”

2018 AWARD WINNERS:

2018 Diplomat of the Year from Europe

His Excellency Dr Martin Eichtinger, Ambassador of Austria

2018 Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East

His Excellency Mr Amar Abba, Ambassador of Algeria

2018 Diplomat of the Year from Africa

His ExcellencyMr Kena Mphonda, High Commissioner for Malawi

2018 Diplomat of the Year from Asia

His Excellency Mr Koji Tsuruoka, Ambassador of Japan

2018 Diplomat of the Year from Eurasia

His Excellency Mr Sergei F. Aleinik, Ambassador of Belarus

2018 Diplomat of the Year from North America & the Caribbean

Her Excellency Mrs Janice Charette, High Commissioner for Canada

2018 Diplomat of the Year from Central & South America

His Excellency Mr Eduardo dos Santos, Ambassador of Brazil

2018 Outstanding Contribution to the Commonwealth

Her Excellency Ms Winnie A. Kiap, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea